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The Trusted Fence & Deck Contractor for St. Michael, MN
When it comes to home improvement in St. Michael, the stakes are high. As one of the fastest-growing communities in Wright County, St. Michael is defined by its beautiful suburban developments, high-standard Homeowners Associations (HOAs), and a “commuter-friendly” lifestyle that values curb appeal and backyard privacy. At Authority Fence & Deck, we have been partnering with St. Michael homeowners since 1994 to navigate the specific challenges of building in this area—from strict city permit requirements to the heavy clay soil that defines the local landscape.
St. Michael is unique compared to many surrounding Central Minnesota cities because the City of St. Michael requires a zoning permit for every single fence installation, regardless of height. Furthermore, the city enforces a “Finished Side” ordinance, meaning the structural supports of your fence must face inward, toward your own yard. Because we are a family-owned business with decades of experience in the STMA area, we act as your “Permit Concierge,” handling the paperwork and ensuring your project meets every local code. Whether you are moving into a new build in The Highlands or updating an established property in Vista Pointe, we ensure your fence or deck is built to last a lifetime.
Premium Fencing & Decking for STMA Families
St. Michael is known for its high standards and family-centric neighborhoods. We provide the “Good Neighbor” solutions that fit the aesthetic of STMA’s premier developments:
Jerith Aluminum Fencing in St. Michael:
Elegant, rust-proof fencing that meets HOA requirements while providing a safe boundary for kids and pets.
TimberTech AZEK Deck Construction in St. Michael:
The ultimate family deck—splinter-free, slip-resistant, and 100% maintenance-free.
Industrial Commercial Gates in St. Michael:
High-security perimeters and access control for St. Michael’s expanding commercial and industrial parks.
Why Your St. Michael Neighbors Choose Authority
In a close-knit community like St. Michael, word of mouth is our best advertisement. We are proud of the 5-star reputation we’ve built by delivering “worry-free” installations. Here are a few reviews from clients in the St. Michael and Wright County area:
“We had a great experience with Authority. From the planning phase to installation, Jesus and Jared were fantastic to work with. We’d recommend them to anyone we know. Great price and great communication.”
— daniellecohen7, Wright County Resident
“I can’t say enough good things about Scott and his team at Authority Deck and Fence. From the initial quote to communicating with the office and the final fence installation, everything was seamless. They ensured the property lines were accurate and the workmanship was exceptional.”
— Tessa Barth, Local Guide
“Our fence was put in almost 4 years ago and today the winds gusts were absolutely horrendous and knocked out a section. I called and Jared came out within 90 minutes. This company was the best when they put our fence in and still is almost 4 years later! You all rock!”
— Jennifer Schlosser, Area Homeowner
“Authority Fencing was exceptionally professional, accommodating last-minute changes, and delivering spectacular work. If you need a fence, Authority Fence is the way to go. We couldn’t be happier. Also, our 6 dogs could not be happier!”
— Lindsey Scherer, Local Resident
“Working with Authority Fence and Deck was a very simple and smooth experience. They go above and beyond to make sure you are educated and aware of anything going on. My fence looks great, and I would absolutely recommend them!”
— Tanner Bonnema, St. Michael Area
Frequently Asked Questions for St. Michael Homeowners
Does every fence in St. Michael require a permit?
Yes. Unlike some neighboring cities where permits are only required for fences over 6 or 7 feet, the City of St. Michael requires a zoning permit for all residential and commercial fences. At Authority Fence & Deck, we manage the entire permit application process for our clients to ensure all setbacks and height restrictions are met before we ever break ground.
How do St. Michael HOAs affect fence choice?
Many St. Michael developments, such as The Highlands, The Preserve, and Legacy Bay, have specific covenants regarding fencing materials and colors. Often, these HOAs mandate black ornamental aluminum or specific colors of professional-grade vinyl. We are highly experienced in working with St. Michael HOA boards and can provide the material specifications and CAD drawings they require for fast approval.
Why is soil type such a big deal in St. Michael?
St. Michael sits on heavy, moisture-retaining clay soil. This is the most difficult soil for fence stability because it expands significantly when frozen. Competitors who use “no-dig” or “driven post” methods often see their fences “heave” out of the ground after just one or two winters. We use the traditional pier method, digging 42 to 60 inches deep and setting posts in concrete to anchor them safely below the frost line.
What is the “Finished Side” rule in St. Michael?
St. Michael city ordinance requires that the finished side of the fence—the side without the visible horizontal rails—must face the neighboring property or the street. Our vinyl and aluminum products are considered “good neighbor” fences because they look identical from both sides, ensuring you stay in compliance while keeping your yard looking beautiful.
How far must a fence be from the property line in St. Michael?
Typically, the city requires a 1-foot setback from the property line for maintenance purposes. If you wish to place the fence directly on the line, written consent from the adjacent neighbor is required. We always recommend a professional property survey to ensure there is zero guesswork regarding your boundaries.
What are the rules for pool fences in St. Michael?
For homes with backyard pools, St. Michael follows strict safety codes. Fences must be at least 48 inches high, and all gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Our Jerith aluminum fencing is the gold standard for pool safety in STMA, offering security without sacrificing the view of your landscaping.
Can you build maintenance-free decks in St. Michael?
Absolutely. We specialize in TimberTech AZEK decking, which is a 100% polymer material. It won’t rot, warp, or splinter, and it stays significantly cooler in the summer sun—ideal for those hot Minnesota July days. Many St. Michael homeowners choose AZEK to match the low-maintenance lifestyle of their vinyl or aluminum fencing.
Do you handle the Gopher State One Call utility markings?
Yes. Safety is our priority. We coordinate with the state to have all underground utilities—gas, electric, water, and fiber—marked before we begin our deep-dig installation process. This protects your home and ensures a smooth installation.
Is vinyl fencing durable enough for St. Michael’s high winds?
Yes, but only if you use professional-grade material. The open lots in many St. Michael developments can experience significant wind gusts. We use high-quality, American-made vinyl with reinforced rails that are designed to withstand the “wind tunnel” effect often found between suburban homes.
What colors of vinyl are available for STMA homes?
While White is the classic choice, many St. Michael homeowners are moving toward more natural tones like Tan, Adobe, and Gray to match the earthy siding colors popular in newer builds. We offer a full range of colors and post-cap styles (including solar-powered lighting) to customize your look.
How long does it take to get a fence installed in St. Michael?
Once the permit is approved and the utilities are marked, most residential fence installs are completed in 1 to 5 days. We work quickly and professionally, ensuring we clean up the job site so your family (and your pets) can enjoy your new private backyard immediately.
Does Authority Fence & Deck offer a warranty?
We offer a Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee on our installations. Because we use the best materials in the industry—like Country Estate Vinyl—your fence also comes with a transferable limited lifetime manufacturer warranty, giving you ultimate peace of mind.
How do I get an estimate for my St. Michael project?
Call us at (320) 558-4488 to schedule a professional on-site consultation.


